Purpose of the Boy Scouts

It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide an effective program designed to instill within youth desirable qualities of character, to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to help develop their personal fitness, providing this country with citizens who:

• Are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit.
• Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
• Have personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts.
• Have a desire and the skills to help others.
• Understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems.
• Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America’s role in the world.
• Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
• Are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society and in other forums of the world.

Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based upon those found in the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Oath

• On my honor I will do my best

  By giving your word, you are promising to be guided by the ideals of the Scout Oath. Try hard to live up to the points of the Scout Oath. Measure your achievements against your own high standards and don’t be influenced by peer pressure or what other people do.

• To do my duty to God and my country

  Your family and religious leaders teach you about God and the ways you can serve. You do your duty to God by following the wisdom of those teachings every day and by respecting and defending the rights of others to practice their own beliefs. Help keep the United States a strong and fair nation by learning about our system of government and your responsibilities as a citizen and future voter. America is made up of countless families and communities. When you work to improve your community and your home, you are serving your country. Natural resources are another important part of America’s heritage worthy of your efforts to understand, protect, and use wisely. What you do can make a real difference.

• and to obey the Scout Law;

  The twelve points of the Scout Law are guidelines that can lead you toward wise choices. When you obey the Scout Law, other people will respect you for the way you live, and you will respect yourself.

• To help other people at all times;

  There are many people who need you. Your cheerful smile and helping hand will ease the burden of many who need assistance. By helping out whenever possible, you are doing your part to make this a better world.

• To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

  Take care of your body so that it will serve you well for an entire lifetime. That means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly to build strength and endurance. it also means avoiding harmful drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and anything else that can harm your health. Develop your mind both in the classroom and outside of school. Be curious about everything around you, and work hard to make the most of your abilities. With an inquiring attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you can learn much about the exciting world around you and your role in it. To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Motto: Be Prepared.

Scout Slogan: Do a good turn daily.

Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to

• Be clean in my outdoor manners,
• Be careful with fire,
• Be considerate in the outdoors, and
• Be conservation-minded.

BSA Minuteman Council Nondiscrimination Policy

The mission of the Boston Minuteman Council, Boy Scouts of America is to provide character development, citizenship training, growth in physical and mental fitness, and leadership opportunities for the young people of the Boston metropolitan area. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our members, and we are committed to providing young people with an educational and stimulating environment in which to learn and grow. Through the Scout Oath and Law, we pledge to respect all people and to defend the rights of others. Bias, intolerance, and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boston Minuteman Council.The Boston Minuteman Council serves over 18,000 youth through 3,300 volunteers in over 330 Packs, Troops, and other units without regard to color, race, religion, ethic [sic] background, sexual orientation, or economic status. Adopted July 19, 2001.